Necromancer, but pre-collapse civilization

　With the fall of the Lawgiver, the beautiful dream world woven from the Lawgiver's power suddenly lost its foundation and began to slowly and irreversibly collapse.

　This led to the gradual awakening of those trapped in the dream world.

　However, not everyone is able to successfully open their eyes.

　Those unfortunate victims who contracted narcolepsy in its early stages had their world shrouded in the shadow of death before their dreams even collapsed.

　Those who fell into despair due to the collapse of the healthcare system also could not escape the shackles of fate.

　Their untimely passing added a somber touch to this tragedy.

　As for those souls who tragically met with accidents while asleep, their fate is even more heartbreaking.

　In the gentle embrace of dreams, they were able to bid farewell to this world without pain.

　But what is most moving are those who actively choose to embrace dreams and reject reality.

　For them, the perfect dream woven by the power of the Lawgiver was not only a haven for their souls, but also the only pure land to escape the suffering of reality.

　Therefore, when the sound of the dream world collapsing like thunder rang out, they did not choose to escape, but resolutely shared the fate of the dream and chose to leave peacefully in the embrace of fantasy.

　In this way, they made a final stand against and rejection of the coldness and ruthlessness of the real world.

　According to preliminary statistics from the Fire Moth, approximately 200 million people worldwide have unfortunately contracted sleeping sickness.

　Of these enormous numbers, more than half have successfully escaped the dream world.

　In other words, nearly 100 million people died in this disaster.

　If viewed solely from the cold perspective of mathematics, the loss of 100 million lives cannot be considered a devastating blow to a human society with billions of people.

　But when these losses are focused on a specific group—the elites and pillars of society—it's a different story.

　The Eighth Herald, the divine apostle who wields the power of [consciousness], has precisely targeted the Fire Moth, a transnational organization that raises the banner of resistance against Honkai, with its memetic weapon.

　Therefore, the words that were contaminated by Him were all cutting-edge academic terms representing the pinnacle of human wisdom.

　This means that a large proportion of the victims of sleeping sickness are elites from all walks of life.

　They are not those so-called "experts" who engage in empty talk and harm the country, but rather well-deserved leaders in their respective fields, and the backbone of promoting social progress and industry development.

　The passing of these elites has not only led to the breaking of countless families and endless grief, but has also triggered a dramatic upheaval in the development of multiple industries and fields worldwide.

　Some industries have stagnated as a result, while others have even shown signs of regression.

　From this perspective, the destructive power of the Eighth Herrscher to human civilization far exceeds the sum of all the damage caused by the previous seven Herrschers.

　Getting back to the main point, the passing of these industry elites not only disrupted the smooth operation of the global industrial chain, but also plunged many underdeveloped regions into a more severe state of anarchy.

　This phenomenon is actually not difficult to understand.

　In underdeveloped regions, these elites often play multiple roles; they are not only drivers of economic development but also key forces in social governance.

　Once they leave, the void they leave behind is difficult to fill, and those politicians who only know how to talk big are clearly incapable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of governing the country.

　In addition, there is another reason hidden behind the anarchy in these underdeveloped regions that is difficult to bring to the forefront.

　A power struggle between nations.

　In an effort to recover their strength lost in the Great Collapse, several powerful nations on this planet have turned their attention to these vulnerable and underdeveloped regions, attempting to draw "nourishment" from them.

　Faced with joint pressure from several powerful nations, the United Nations has completely lost its function of overall coordination and allocation.

　Just as the widely circulated saying describes...

　When small countries have conflicts, the United Nations mediates, and the conflicts are resolved.

　A conflict arose between a large country and a small country; the United Nations mediated, and the small country disappeared.

　When great powers have conflicts, the United Nations tries to mediate, and then the United Nations ceases to exist.

　In this international political landscape, the fate of underdeveloped regions becomes exceptionally tragic.

　They not only have to deal with the collapse of their internal governance systems and social unrest, but also have to endure plunder and oppression from powerful external nations.

　Resources were plundered, economic systems collapsed, and production activities nearly came to a standstill. The people of these regions became pawns in the power struggles of major nations, manipulated and sacrificed at will.

　Then, naturally, famine broke out.

　In their struggle to survive, people in these regions began to scramble for every last bit of supplies from each other, and the bonds of neighborliness and moral principles that once existed became fragile and vulnerable in the face of hunger.

　Even more frightening is that the military and police forces on which the local government relies to maintain order have gradually lost their original stance and responsibilities under the drive of hunger and greed.

　Driven either by the instinct for self-preservation or by the lure of profit, they joined this chaotic struggle, becoming a new source of violence.

　Armed forces transformed from former guardians waged a bloody struggle in this forgotten corner of the world.

　The entire region was plunged into a massive vortex of chaos and violence, and the dark side of human nature was magnified infinitely.

　On this land, the light of civilization seems to have been extinguished, leaving only endless darkness and despair.

Chapter 417 The Poisonous Chrysalis Emerges and Returns to Earth

　Moths that chase fire are certainly aware of the chaotic situation in those underdeveloped regions.

　But in the eyes of the high-ranking members of the Firemoth Council, this situation was not beyond their tolerance.

　Compared to the local residents struggling on the brink of life and death, the lawmakers were more focused on how to use this hard-won victory to further solidify and expand the Moth's reputation and influence globally.

　After all, this was the first time since the Third Great Collapse that the Firemoth had successfully annihilated a Herrscher entirely on its own.

　Given the character of these members of parliament, they would certainly not turn a blind eye to such an extraordinary achievement.

　As news of the Moth of Flame's successful annihilation of the Herrscher spread across the globe, those in power at the top of the human society pyramid cast complex glances their way.

　At that moment, they realized that the Moth Chasers, with their outstanding contributions and strength, had quietly risen to a position on equal footing with them.

　Whether they like it or not, this fact is undeniable.

　Faced with this new power structure, many powerful figures began to reassess their relationship with the "moth chasing the flame," seeking new opportunities for cooperation and a balance.

　In particular, those nobles who had personally experienced the devastation of the Eighth Herald and witnessed the terrifying power of that divine apostle were even more acutely aware of the urgency and difficulty of fighting against the Honkai.

　Therefore, they cherish the value of the Firemoth, a powerful ally, and regard it as a precious force for protecting world peace.

　These powerful figures, who were well aware of the gravity of the situation, were filled with anxiety about the uncertainties of the future.

　They desperately need a trustworthy organization to step forward and become a strong bulwark against future disasters.

　For this, they are willing to pay the necessary price, whether it be resources, benefits or other forms of support, just to obtain a closer and more stable cooperative relationship with Moth of the Flame.

　However, not all the wealthy and powerful welcomed the expansion of the moths that chase fire.

　Some powerful figures, fearing for their own positions, began to secretly plot to curb the rise of the "fire-chasing moths" through various means.

　They spread the black filth of the fire-chasing moths and set up numerous obstacles to hinder their expansion.

　Even worse, these leaders have spared no effort in using their deep influence in the political and economic spheres to launch a series of targeted actions in an attempt to weaken the strength and global influence of the Moth of the Flame.

　This is not surprising.

　It is often more difficult to touch interests than to touch the soul.

　The members of the Moth Chaser Council showed no fear or hesitation in the face of this.

　They had foreseen all of this and made ample preparations for it.

　At this crucial moment, the Firemoth Council demonstrated remarkable unity and efficiency, quickly reaching a consensus and taking decisive action.

　They dispatched the Poison Chrysalis Force, personally led by Qianjie and Ying, to demonstrate their true power and determination to the powerful figures who were trying to obstruct the Fire Moths with overwhelming force.

　Dozens of powerful figures fell in pools of blood during the merciless slaughter by the poisonous pupa troops.

　Their deaths, just as the Moth of Fire Council had anticipated, had a powerful deterrent effect.

　Those powerful figures who opposed the expansion of the "Moth Chasing the Flame" were truly frightened by its near-table-flipping actions.

　They all chose silence and dormancy, no longer engaging in open confrontation with the moths drawn to the flame.

　However, the compromises and concessions of these powerful figures are only temporary.

　The conflict of fundamental interests determined their irreconcilable enmity with the moths drawn to the flame.

　The expansion of the Fire-Chasing Moths could not escape the eyes of the necromancer.

　However, this extraordinary being, who stood proudly in the realm of demigods, was not entirely focused on the movements of the Fire-Chasing Moth at this moment.

　On one hand, the fall of the Eighth Herrscher did bring an end to the rampage of [Sleeping Syndrome], but the deep imprint this disaster left on the necromancer territory could not be erased overnight.

　The souls that perished under the influence of Sleeping Disease became an inescapable shadow over the territory, inevitably weakening the necromancer's effectiveness in ruling.

　To ensure the smooth collection of taxes for the next quarter, Moros had to temporarily suppress his anxiety and personally intervene in the complex matters that his bureaucracy was struggling to resolve, striving to restore normal order to the territory as quickly as possible.

　On the other hand, with the dust settling on the Eighth Great Collapse, Velvet and Mebius also expressed their strong desire to him to leave the demiplane and return to Earth.

　Facing the expectant eyes of Vervie and Mebius, Moros spoke slowly after a brief silence.

　"I understand your wishes."

　The necromancer's words revealed a rare tenderness and reluctance, but even more so, a respect for their choices.

　He knew that although the feelings in his heart were hard to sever, as independent souls with their own will, Velvet and Möbius should freely pursue their own dreams and paths, rather than be restricted or bound by any force.

　"Returning to Earth may be a new beginning for you. But please remember, wherever you are, this will always be your safe haven."

　He paused for a moment, his gaze seemingly piercing through the barrier of the dimensional crystal wall, landing on the distant Earth.

　"I must remind you that the current state of Earth is far more complex and volatile than you imagine. The shadow of the Honkai has not completely dissipated, and the next Great Honkai may arrive sooner than you anticipate."

　Upon hearing this, Vervière and Mebius felt a chill run down their spines.

　They recalled the warnings Moros had given them before the arrival of the Eighth Herrscher and instantly realized the seriousness and urgency of this reminder.

　"what do you mean?"

　Mebius was the first to break the silence.

　Her voice carried a hint of urgency, clearly indicating that she had realized the importance of this conversation.

　"As I said before, the threat of Honkai to Earth has not diminished, but has intensified at an alarming rate."

　Moros's voice was deep and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of Vervie and Mebius.

　"According to my prediction, the next major collapse is very likely to occur within the next two or three years."

　Combining the timing patterns of the Herrschers' arrival in the original world with a comprehensive consideration of the current complex situation on this planet, although accurately predicting the arrival time of the next Great Collapse is extremely challenging, if only a general time range is needed, then such a calculation is not entirely impossible.

　Vervi and Mebius exchanged a glance, seeing deep worry and determination in each other's eyes.

　They knew that Moros's warning was not alarmist, but based on his profound understanding and insight into the world.

　“We understand, Moros.”

　"We will be prepared for the challenges ahead. But before that, we need more information about the current state of the Earth and the latest developments regarding the collapse."

Chapter 418 Resolving Hidden Dangers

　After personally watching Velvie and Mebius cross the dimensional barrier and disappear from his sight, Moros resolutely turned his attention to the arduous task of reorganizing and rebuilding the bureaucratic system under his command.

　The memetic weapons released by the Law of Knowledge are so powerful that they are truly awe-inspiring.

　It disregards the boundaries of identity and status, placing every living being under equal threat.

　During those days shrouded in the shadow of "sleeping sickness," even among his high-ranking officials, many unlucky ones fell victim to it.

　Admittedly, some of the lucky ones struggled out of the abyss of dreams and were reborn after the fall of the Eighth Herrscher.

　However, many more victims of sleeping sickness remain forever trapped in that illusory and beautiful dream, never to awaken again.

　Such an ending, though regrettable, is also understandable.

　These rulers infected with [Sleeping Syndrome], though backed by abundant medical resources, are willing to succumb to the illusory world if they become obsessed with the flawless dream woven by the Law of Consciousness.

　Therefore, even the most powerful rescue efforts could not pull them back from the abyss of their dreams.

　The dreamscape created by the Lawgiver of Knowledge is more exquisite and perfect than imagined. It is like an invisible net that tightly binds every soul that it touches.

　To remain clear-headed and resist the allure emanating from within in the face of such a dream undoubtedly requires an extraordinary and extremely tenacious willpower.

　Unfortunately, those bureaucrats who once knelt before the necromancer and succumbed to his terrifying power had already been corrupted deep within their hearts by fear.

　It was eroded by fear and weakness.

　What they lack is precisely this willpower to stand firm and fight bravely in critical moments.

　Therefore, the sheer number of bureaucrats who died from "Sleeping Syndrome" in this disaster caused by the Lawgiver of Knowledge was somewhat beyond the necromancer's expectations.

　The loss of so many managers in a short period of time has undoubtedly brought a huge shock and challenge to the entire bureaucratic system.